Confidence-building initiative links graduates of digital skills programme with local jobs
Two dozen women from East Birmingham have moved closer to employment after taking part in a structured progression event.
The digital skills training programme aims to help build confidence and link trainees directly with employers.
The event supported 24 graduates of the Digital Gateway into Employment (DGIE) programme, a six-week course developing digital and employability skills, delivered by Women’s Wellbeing in collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU) and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
From classroom to employer
Held at the Birmingham City Football Club Foundation Hub in Bordesley Green, the event marked the transition from training into direct engagement with the jobs market. Nine learners received NOCN certificates, a digital employability toolkit was launched, and participants took part in speed interviewing with ten employers.
Unlike a traditional jobs fair, the session was designed as a supported environment in which participants could practise interview techniques, build confidence and gain real insight into employer expectations, applying skills developed during the programme, including CV writing, job applications and interview preparation using the STAR technique.
The event also included a motivational talk from Paul Cadman, CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group, who grew up in East Birmingham and encouraged learners to recognise their potential and take confidence from the progress they had made.
‘A huge gap and value’
Shabana Qureshi, CEO of Women’s Wellbeing, said: “We work with underserved women from the community, and what they gained from the session was phenomenal.
“The women were hugely grateful for the experience, and we would like to continue working with BCU to run similar programmes in the future. There is a huge gap and value in what was provided.”
University partnership central to delivery
BCU’s Public and Community Engagement and Careers and Employability teams worked alongside Women’s Wellbeing to design and deliver the structured interview format.
Raaj Shamji, Associate Director of Public and Community Engagement at BCU, said: “This wasn’t just a careers event. It created a structured step from learning into a real opportunity.
“At BCU, we connect people, opportunity and place, and by bringing employers into a supportive environment, we help women build confidence, practise interview skills and take that next step towards employment.”
Julie Stonnall, Director of Careers and Employability at BCU, said: “Many of the learners entered the programme with low confidence and no prior interview experience.
“Through structured interview practice and feedback, they demonstrated real commitment to their development and built confidence in engaging with employers.”
Addressing wider barriers to work
The initiative responds to broader challenges across Birmingham, including economic inactivity, digital exclusion and employment barriers facing women. By combining training, formal recognition and direct employer engagement, the programme provides a structured pathway into work.
Further opportunities for progression and employer engagement are planned as the Digital Gateway into Employment programme continues to support women across East Birmingham.
